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Offered languages
- Japanese
- English
Journey to Yamagata for a unique winter adventure, witnessing the extraordinary Zao Snow Monsters—giant ice sculptures formed by nature. This day trip includes a scenic ride on the Tohoku Shinkansen and a breathtaking ropeway ascent into the snow-covered mountains. Spend time exploring the mountaintop and marvel at the stunning winter landscape, which changes with every snowfall. Cap off the day with a delicious Yonezawa beef sukiyaki dinner, featuring one of Japan's finest wagyu beef varieties. This tour combines natural beauty and regional cuisine for an unforgettable experience in northern Japan.
- Round-trip travel by Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo
- Ride the Zao Ropeway for stunning mountain views
- Witness the famous Zao Snow Monsters up close
- Savor a dinner of Yonezawa beef sukiyaki, a culinary highlight
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Meet at the open space near the Bellmart Kiosk, located by the Nihonbashi Exit of Tokyo Station. (On the second floor of the kiosk is a Starbucks). Please arrive at least 10mins before the scheduled meeting time. Please look for staff wearing jerseys with our company logo and tell them the tour name
Itinerary
-
1Fukushima Station
After meeting your tour conductor, depart from Tokyo Station between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM aboard the Tohoku Shinkansen Yamabiko in reserved standard-class seating. Arrive at Fukushima Station and continue by coach toward Zao. Important: Final train details, including exact meeting time and train number, will be confirmed 1 week prior to your tour date and sent via Viator chat. Please check your messages for updates.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Zao Sanroku Ropeway Station
After approximately 100 minutes of travel, arrive at Zao Sanroku Station, the gateway to one of Japan's most famous winter destinations. Board the ropeway and begin your journey into the snowy mountains of Zao.
50 minutes • Admission ticket included -
3
Travel through the mountains by ropeway, enjoying views of snow-covered forests and the surrounding landscape as you ascend toward higher elevations.
2 hours • Admission ticket included -
4
Arrive at Jizo Sancho Station, where you will spend time exploring the mountaintop area and viewing the famous Zao Snow Monsters. Created by a rare combination of freezing temperatures, strong seasonal winds, and heavy snowfall, these ice-covered trees form towering natural sculptures that transform the mountainside into a spectacular winter wonderland. No two formations are exactly alike, creating a constantly changing landscape shaped by nature. Take time to admire the sweeping views across the snow-covered mountain range and experience one of Japan's most iconic winter phenomena. The Snow Monsters are typically at their best from late December through early March, though viewing conditions depend on weather and snowfall. The total time spent on the ropeway including sightseeing is 120 minutes.
1 hour 40 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5
After your visit, descend by ropeway through the winter landscape to Juhyo Kogen Station.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included -
6
Continue by ropeway to Zao Sanroku Station and rejoin the coach for the next part of the journey.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included -
7
After approximately 50 minutes of travel, arrive in Takahata. Enjoy an early dinner featuring Yonezawa beef sukiyaki, prepared with one of Japan's most highly regarded wagyu beef varieties. Known for its tenderness and rich flavor, Yonezawa beef is considered one of the three great wagyu brands of Japan. Dinner is scheduled for approximately 4:00 PM.
1 hour 10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
8Fukushima Station
After approximately 70 minutes of travel, return to Fukushima Station. Board the Tohoku Shinkansen Yamabiko in reserved standard-class seating for the journey back to Tokyo. The tour concludes with arrival at Tokyo Station between 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM, with optional drop-off available at Omiya Station and Ueno Station along the way.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour is operated for both Japanese and foreign customers. A Japanese tour conductor will accompany the group and provide key information using a translation app. Please note that the tour conductor is not a tour guide and will focus on sharing essential information during the tour.
- Due to traffic conditions, the bus arrival may be delayed and the order of the itinerary may change.
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour is operated for both Japanese and foreign customers. A Japanese tour conductor will accompany the group and provide key information using a translation app. Please note that the tour conductor is not a tour guide and will focus on sharing essential information during the tour.
- Due to traffic conditions, the bus arrival may be delayed and the order of the itinerary may change.
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be contacted 10 days prior to your travel date and offered an alternative or full refund.
- Delays, shortenings of the tour or omissions made to the itinerary due to traffic, weather or other circumstances that are beyond the control of the tour operator are not subject to refund
- Wearing comfortable shoes and clothes is strongly recommended
- Infant (0-2 years old) are free of charge but with no product inclusions.
- Delays due to transportation issues or non-participation will be subject to cancellation fees. The tour will depart at the time indicated.
- Please note that even for groups, train seats may not be arranged side by side or close together.
- Due to weather conditions or natural growth patterns, snow monsters (juhyo) and snowy landscapes may not be visible. No refunds will be provided in such cases.
- The snow vehicle and ropeway may be suspended or operate on a modified route due to weather conditions, unusually warm temperatures, or other reasons. If a service is canceled, a partial refund equivalent to the affected portion may be provided depending on the circumstances. However, no refund will be given if alternative arrangements are provided in its place.
- If the ropeway is suspended, alternative sightseeing visits to Uesugi Shrine and Kumano Taisha Shrine (Yamagata Prefecture) are planned.
- Viewing the Zao Snow Monsters takes place at high altitude in an extremely cold environment. Temperatures are often below -10°C and may drop below -15°C when strong winds occur. Ski wear or other waterproof winter clothing is strongly recommended, along with a knit hat that covers the ears, waterproof gloves, and non-slip snow boots or other suitable winter footwear.
- Remaining time is for travel back and forth
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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